Day of the Dead

Just because you're partaking in a celebration of the dead does not mean your sense of style should die too. Au contraire!

In fact it became rapidly clear that the Dia de los Muertos celebration in San Francisco's Mission district is the perfect occasion for a tailored tux and skull mask (you know, that one you just happen to have laying around?). Not only did the whole experience smell incredible - incense, especially the church smelling kind, is basically the same as Cire Trudon's Spiritus Sancti candle - it also reminded me of a masquerade ball (think Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, only way less naked). I even managed to spot a varsity-inspired look which, as you know, is basically all I'm wearing these days. 

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

Halloween How To: Edward Scissorhands

It's the 11th hour and you're stuck. Worry not! Tim Burton exists for one simple reason; to inspire you every Halloween.
There are many things to thank Mr. Burton for (Beetlejuice, Mars Attacks!, and let's not forget the sheer awesomeness that is Sleepy Hollow), but Edward Scissorhands tops my list any day. Why? Vintage Johnny and Winona wrapped-up in an epic love story about a hairdresser (basically, right?) can't be topped. It's really that simple.  

Let's start from the top and work our way down. Know this: hair is everything. Either you spray yours black, or grab a wig and chop it to length (get into character, you're supposed to be good with your hands, right?). In terms of product we want to go thick, wild and promote extreme texture. Start by applying a dry shampoo to your roots - this will ensure volume from the scalp up. Alterna's Cleanse Extend Translucent option is ideal, partly because it smells like bamboo leaf which almost definitely means you'll end-up attracting a panda (which could be fun). Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Hairspray is your next step. Remember we're building volume here so apply generously. Finish the whole thing and achieve those clumpy strands with Jack Black's Body-Building Hair Gel. Finally seal the deal with your hairdryer. 

Don't be daunted by the makeup part. Keep it basic with Kryolan's Aqua Color in white. I'd recommend cleansing first, probably with Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser, followed by a healthy application of La Mer's The Concentrate (which will ensure easy application). Once you've painted your entire face white using a makeup sponge you'll want to use eye shadow for detailing. Urban Decay's Basics Palette has several neutral shades that will work perfectly under and around the eyes, but also as outlines for those lovely keloid scars.

In terms of the outfit, ideally you're veering towards something black and strappy. Anything Rick Owens would be exceptional (we're talking ideal situation here, FYI). But the real point is to have fun, duh! And if all else fails go as the Scarecrow from Batman - all you'll only need is a brown paper bag.

Stay spooky!

The Look: The Great Bowie (Sorry Gatsby)

So I guess I'm supposed to be all about Gatsby. I mean I tried (for a sec) but I just can't. Instead I'm still all about Bowie.

Don't get me wrong, Baz Luhrmann's whole visual overload-to-the-max thing was impressive and excessively indulgent (thing's I usually enjoy), but I just need something more, well, me. Enter the completely unrelated Bowie alter-ego of Ziggy Stardust (the original Sasha Fierce?). Essentially it's like how can you not be inspired? A mullet-wearing, lightening bolt-ed original gender benderer from the 70s! It's all incredibly fun.

Let's chat hair. Now I'm not saying I've given-up on my most recent bout of hairspiration (the whole long and wavy thing is slowly happening for me). All I'm saying is I'm into getting funky (just like Major Tom) - besides there are many a theme party to attend these days, and I'm over onesie's. I vaguely remember the mullet being cool in 2004, when, on my first solo venture to Toni & Guy I kind-of ended up with one. Needless to say it was scary (if not a tad lesbisch). But I'm older, potentially wiser now, and I'm thinking about things. If I were to venture into mullet-land I would definitely use a great volumizer, like Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Full Form Mousse and then seal the deal with some Thickening Hairspray - just to be sure, you know?

Now this may sound slightly intense (if not extremely opulent) but La Mer's The Concentrate is the best primer ever. Its smooth, rich consistency means skin is left feeling undeniably silky and treated (ie makeup application is a breeze). Also a high-consistency of the coveted and very secret 'miracle broth' means your basically getting a facial underneath your Ziggy-glam. For the perfect lightening bolt I'd use Giorgio Armani's All in One No 2 Palette. We're looking for strong color, and that red means business. The use of an eye-patch is completely optional, but always a great idea if face-paint sounds a bit daunting.

Here's to a Ziggy Stardust-infused Memorial Day Weekend!

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- David Bowie, performing 'Ziggy Stardust' at the Hammersmith Odeon, 1973.